WAGs and Kilt wearing

[Jock Scot]

Ahh, sorry, should have realised that the p**s-up is the point,
not the side-show.

-Don

Now, come, come Don, I thought EVERYONE knew that!

[Grae]

Just do it-like most things in life be yourself and do what works for you. How do you want to wear the kilt? In a relaxed Aussie way? If so just wear the kilt at home and let her see that it is a normal male garmet and you look good, relaxed and comfortable in it , with her and at home., ie yourself.

As I type this it is 20 C sun shining I am in a long sleeve shirt , 5 yard kilt no belt no socks, no sporran at home after arriving from the office and changing out of my business suit. I do that 6 days out of 7, my wife accepts it as if I changed into jeans as I used to and sometimes even says i look good!

I would not recommend showing a woman the photos of ordinary blokes in kilts on this website and expect her to be impressed one iota (consider the magazines woman look at all the time and compare those with the "models " here!).
It may be a retrograde step and confirm her worst fears that you want to become something your are not or she does not want you to become - dare I say she may conclude odd, fuddy duddy or worse.

Wearing the kilt daily is something I deal with with my other, we live in Sydney, it is a relaxed, hip and up to the mark world city(as you know) if I was to dress as cookie cutter cut out of what kilt hire shops advertise or as a old fashioned 1950's 1960's version of fashion it would appear odd and lets face it like someone too out of touch with their times and could be worrying to a spouse/ SO.

For instance do U wear a jacket and tie on Saturday night in 2013 Sydney ? I bet not but most did in 1964 in Sydney and we don't dress like that now as we do not want to be seen as odd or fuddy duddy and do want to keep up with the fashion to some extent. Woman are in tune with fashion and the times and have a view of themselves and their men in this context.

The trick is to remain "with it" while wearing the kilt, combine with a shirt, or T shirt or short sleeved shirt, jumper , cardigan fleece, track suit jacket etc and be relaxed - essentially how you would dress if you wore shorts , trousers or jeans.

I would be surprised if after a month or so at home your other does not soften and see the appeal of the tartan and the kilt on you!

There is not a special look to aim for it in day to day wear -it is not a uniform, you do not have to wear a belt , ghillie brogues or a vest etc. The best look is one where you are comfortable and confident.

One thing I notice on this forum is that we in Australia are very much more relaxed as a nation in our dress and attitudes to "society's" expectations than many in the old countries and this is reflected in comments about dress e.g. some in the USA have really firm views about button down shirt collars , that is a non issue in Australia, some say woolen hose must be worn at all times ( clearly I disagree with that one).

Having said that there are some gents on this website who are very well turned out and you could learn from their example and take what you like from their "look" while wearing the kilt, to establish and develop your own.

[Grae]

Just do it-like most things in life be yourself and do what works for you. How do you want to wear the kilt? In a relaxed Aussie way? If so just wear the kilt at home and let her see that it is a normal male garmet and you look good, relaxed and comfortable in it , with her and at home., ie yourself.

As I type this it is 20 C sun shining I am in a long sleeve shirt , 5 yard kilt no belt no socks, no sporran at home after arriving from the office and changing out of my business suit. I do that 6 days out of 7, my wife accepts it as if I changed into jeans as I used to and sometimes even says i look good!

I would not recommend showing a woman the photos of ordinary blokes in kilts on this website and expect her to be impressed one iota (consider the magazines woman look at all the time and compare those with the "models " here!).
It may be a retrograde step and confirm her worst fears that you want to become something your are not or she does not want you to become - dare I say she may conclude odd, fuddy duddy or worse.

Wearing the kilt daily is something I deal with with my other, we live in Sydney, it is a relaxed, hip and up to the mark world city(as you know) if I was to dress as cookie cutter cut out of what kilt hire shops advertise or as a old fashioned 1950's 1960's version of fashion it would appear odd and lets face it like someone too out of touch with their times and could be worrying to a spouse/ SO.

For instance do U wear a jacket and tie on Saturday night in 2013 Sydney ? I bet not but most did in 1964 in Sydney and we don't dress like that now as we do not want to be seen as odd or fuddy duddy and do want to keep up with the fashion to some extent. Woman are in tune with fashion and the times and have a view of themselves and their men in this context.

The trick is to remain "with it" while wearing the kilt, combine with a shirt, or T shirt or short sleeved shirt, jumper , cardigan fleece, track suit jacket etc and be relaxed - essentially how you would dress if you wore shorts , trousers or jeans.

I would be surprised if after a month or so at home your other does not soften and see the appeal of the tartan and the kilt on you!

There is not a special look to aim for it in day to day wear -it is not a uniform, you do not have to wear a belt , ghillie brogues or a vest etc. The best look is one where you are comfortable and confident.

One thing I notice on this forum is that we in Australia are very much more relaxed as a nation in our dress and attitudes to "society's" expectations than many in the old countries and this is reflected in comments about dress e.g. some in the USA have really firm views about button down shirt collars , that is a non issue in Australia, some say woolen hose must be worn at all times ( clearly I disagree with that one).

Having said that there are some gents on this website who are very well turned out and you could learn from their example and take what you like from their "look" while wearing the kilt, to establish and develop your own.

[Richrail]

My lovely bride was not real keen on the kilt to begin with. I started by purchasing her a kilted skirt for our first "Burns Dinner". We went to our local "Celtic Celebration" she loved the Tartan the pipe band was wearing so I purchased her another kilted skirt and a matching kilt for myself in PV from USAK. While doing my genealogy research I found a connection to the "Douglas clan", she loved that tartan so I purchased a kilt and a matching womens kilt. I really like the PV from USAK because they are inexpensive enough to get matching kilts and they are really nice for our very warm summer we are having. I now wear a kilt anytime I'm not working and she does love the attention we get when we are out and about together. So be patient involve her in different activities that go with the kilt culture, she'll come around.

[Phil]

Sounds like you have a real problem there, Don. Have you considered trading her in for a Scottish model? They never have a problem with men in kilts.

[McElmurry]

In the US (or at least in the circles which I run) a WAG is a wild a-- guess. In the UK I guess it would be wild ar-- guess. In my business SWAG is a scientific wild a-- guess or what passes for engineering judgement.

[Nathan]

My advice about this (and a good many other relationship issues) is as follows:

1) Be cool.
2) Have balls.

Don't look for her permission or approval to wear your kilt. Wear it with swagger and confidence. If she belittles you, tell her she wouldn't like it if you insulted things that were important to her. If this is a matter of culture, you can remind her about that also.

If you want her to associate kilts with manliness, it's important to act like a man. Don't act like a scared, insecure school girl who is desperate for her approval. If you go to a bar, ladies will likely flirt. This should drive the point home. Exude an "I look great and I know it" vibe and a healthy does of "I don't care if you agree" with it. Then you'll look like a "man in a kilt", not a "bloke in a skirt".

If she is generally a sour person who doesn't like the sports you like or the clothes you wear or your family members, you may need to ask deeper questions about your respective compatibility.

Remember: Confidence is the source of the sexy.

[CDNSushi]

In the US (or at least in the circles which I run) a WAG is a wild a-- guess. In the UK I guess it would be wild ar-- guess. In my business SWAG is a scientific wild a-- guess or what passes for engineering judgement.

WAGs are Wives and Girlfriends. I know it as a soccer term... Or perhaps a sports term in general.

[Nile]

Don, as I was thinking about a response, I read Nathan's advice and I think he is spot on.

In a relationship, couples share a wide variety of common interests, likes and desires. However, as individuals, we all have our deep personal likes and interests as well. I believe a good partnership strikes a balance between what the couple have in common and the expression their unique personalities which, in my opinion, make a relationship more sustainable and interesting.

I started wearing a kilt because of my wife's encouragement (she bought me one) so, I don't have your problem. However, when we did have sharp differences in the past, we both worked on a resolution and /or acceptance (we just simply learned to understand one another better) and, of course, our relationship matured and improved. After all, relationships are perhaps, the most precious experiences we have in life.

If she is generally a sour person who doesn't like the sports you like or the clothes you wear or your family members, you may need to ask deeper questions about your respective compatibility.

I realize that what Nathan says above may sound harsh (and I suppose we shouldn't be dispensing relationship advice) but, I have to agree with him. My first marriage went by the wayside for just such issues with no real compromise possible unless, I gave up everything (too one sided, no balance).

Don't give up on your principles and I hope you continue to wear your kilt. She doesn't have to wear one or even like it but, I would hope that she would accept it as part of you and rise above that in your relationship.

Nile

[Liam]

I'm just guessing here, but I'd say that anyone who wears a kilt a lot
has a Wife or Girlfriend who likes seeing them in a kilt.

So, how does one win over a SO who is dubious at best and borders
on "slightly hostile"?

Any suggestions?

-Don

WAG == wives and girlfriends - a term used here (in Australia), wasn't
current in the USA circa 1980 when I left there so I'm explaining

I first wore a kilt in 1978 while visiting Scotland. We stayed with my wife's Grandfather, who convinced me to wear one of his kilts a few times. This introduction got my wife introduced to the idea. I went for many years without wearing a kilt, but took it up again several years ago when my sons married. Since then I have been wearing it more and more. Initially my wife was, like yours slightly hostile. I persisted, and she started noticing the attention (compliments) even an old bugger like me would get from the fairer sex. She now just shakes her head and puts up with me as she has done for 38.5 years.

I think a very good place to show her that being kilted is a "normal" thing is at a local Highland Games.

Good luck!